(Sacramento, CA 2/9/17) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, tonight welcomed a federal appeals court's decision to maintain the freeze on President Trump's controversial "Muslim ban" executive order, which barred entry into the United States by refugees and citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit today upheld a lower court's ruling putting Trump's travel ban on hold.

"We applaud this ruling as a reaffirmation of the strength and independence of our system of justice. This decision adds to the long list of federal judges – both Republican and Democratic appointees – who found reason to block this discriminatory order.

"While this decision is critical, it is not the end of the legal process. Other courts across the country will be passing judgment on this order, and the U.S. Supreme Court will likely weigh in at some point.

"This victory should not lead to complacency. This and other Trump administration orders and policies still pose a threat to communities of color, religious minorities, women, and others."

Awad noted that CAIR has filed its own federal lawsuit on behalf of more than 20 named and "john doe" individuals challenging the constitutionality of the "Muslim ban" executive order.

CAIR is asking Americans to call on their members of Congress to oppose this unconstitutional executive order by making statements, by writing dear colleague letters and by pushing the Trump administration, State Department, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) to oppose such discriminatory policies.

Take Action Today – Urge Your Representatives in Congress to Push Back Against Trump's Muslim Ban

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.